Monday, May 24, 2010

for Deqlans prayer army that still follows this site and relies on getting updates from this site, we have moved to our new blog as our space ran out on this one! so come and visit us atwww.deqlanhigginsblog.blogspot.com

It's hard not to hear about autism in the media these days. With the ongoing controversy surrounding autism and vaccinations, to missing children who have autism, to hearing about a child who has recovered from autism, there are many different angles for news agencies to report on this topic. With 1 in 91 children being affected, the general public has gotten decent at recognizing the signs of autism. But what the general public doesn't know is how to help those individuals and their families who are battling this disorder. So let's turn Autism Awareness Month into Autism Action Month. Here's five things you can do now to help these families:

1. LOOK BEYOND THE LABEL TO SEE THE CHILD. Many times over kids are ostracized, ridiculed or bullied in school and the community because of their differences. If you look beyond the odd behaviors, unusual speech or awkward social skills, you'll notice that our kids are just like any other child. They have their likes and dislikes, they enjoy video games too, and they like to be involved in their communities. Having a child with autism can be isolating for a family if the child has many sensory issues (such as with loud noises or crowded, tight surroundings). Families want to be able to provide their child with a social outlet and sometimes require special accommodations to make it possible. If you are arranging an event for your local community, talk to disability organizations to find ways to include those with special needs. If you are having a birthday party, please invite the child with autism. Talk to the parents regarding any special requirements or ask that the parent stay for the duration of the party in case a situation arises.

2. SHOW COMPASSION RATHER THAN JUDGEMENT. I've heard countless stories of rude stares, harsh comments and unwanted advice regarding parenting skills. Becuase there are no tell-tale physical signs of autism, often the general public can't "see" the disorder and will put the blame on the parents for not raising the child properly. There is still so much we don't know about autism. These parents are doing the best they can given a very difficult situation. Think twice before you pass judgment. That unruly, screaming, tantrumming child in the grocery store or library may have autism.

3. OFFER HELP. If you see a parent struggling in the store, ask if there is anything you can do to help the parent. If you are at the playground and a child is having a meltdown, ask if you can help carry items to the car (if they have any). If you have a neighbor who has a child with autism, offer to help the parent as much as you are comfortable with. For some people that might mean watching the child while the parent runs errands or just playing with the child in the backyard while mom cleans the house. It could be something as simple as offering to run an errand for the parent to ease the burden of tasks. The divorce rate among autism families is reported to be near 80%. More often than not, single moms do not have a support system in place to help provide for respite care. Just recently, the state of Indiana eliminated the respite care program for special needs families, which leaves some families with 100% of the task of taking care of the child and the house. Please offer assistance if you are able.

4. GET INVOLVED. Get involved with an autism organization of your choice. There are several organizations that represent autism families and all of them could use your help in organizing fundraisers or utilizing any special knowledge you might have (such as legal, financial, education or recreation) to help their cause. The National Autism Association of Northwest Indiana is currently seeking a person to fill the Secretary position. Please contact Lisa Fox atfor more information. You can also get involved by showing your support with by attending fundraising events or organizing a fundraiser for the organization. 5. HELP STOP RESTRAINTS & SECLUSION IN SCHOOLS. Currently there is proposed federal legislation (bill S.2860) that will prevent the use of restraints on students with autism as well as prohibit seclusion of the student who is enrolled in a public school. In 2009, there was an alarming number of students with autism who were tasered, handcuffed, smacked, locked in closets -- and we only heard about the ones who made the headlines. One case of using restraints ended with the student dying. This is not acceptable for the general student population and the special needs student population should be no different. Please visit the National Autism Association's web site (link: http://naa.kintera.org/actioncenter) and fill out the form to contact your Senator to ask them to co-sponsor this bill. Lisa Fox is the President of the National Autism Association of Northwest Indiana, which represents all families affected by autism in Lake and Porter counties. For more information, please visit www.northwestindianaautism.com

All went very well with Keaton today. The ENT got lots of yucky stuff out his sinuses and has mentioned that Keatons adenoids were also very enlarged. He was such a superstar before going in and had as laughing most of the time ( alot due to the pre med to relax him before theatre!). He wasn’t the same happy boy when he woke up though, but had a good rest and then some needed physio, before going home around lunch time. Doctor did some more blood tests as Keatons allergy score is ‘tremendously high’ – should be under 5, Keatons is 69!!!!! He is also going to be off dairy for a while as Doc thinks that is where the allergy is lying. Please continue to pray for Keaton to feel lots better and that he stays healthy and strong, especially in this freezing cold weather, and he has to be 100% ready for the arrival of his baby sister in a few days!

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Hope you all had a great weekend? Please can we ask you to pray for Keaton tomorrow morning – he will be going into theatre to have his sinuses washed out and antibiotics placed directly into them – please pray with us that the anesthetist does a fantastic job and that the doctor does a perfect wash out, that Keaton is comfortable and happy and that this finally solves the puzzle and that he gets better from the moment he wakes up.

Please pray for Conrad and Megs that they are calm and rested and ready to help Keaton feel better. Please Lord fill them with Your peace and trust

Thank you all, love Samm and familySACRED HEART OF JESUS WE PLACE OUR TRUST IN THEE ALL FOR THEE OH LORD OH MY JESUS ALL FOR THEE

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Please pray for little Daxton who was called home to his heavenly home last night. Only a few months old, Daxton fought a very hard fight against neuroblastoma. Please pray for this little soul and for his heartbroken family - that Our Lord carries thems and guides them and strengthens them. Rest well beautiful Daxton

Cancer Survivor!

I love Thomas!

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DEQLAN ROSS HIGGINS

My name is Deqlan Ross Higgins & im from South Africa.
I turned 3 on 11 September 2009.
I am a soldier & brave warrior for the Lord! I love Thomas & friends,Teletubbies,Cars,Helicopters,wheels,the sea AND dolphins! I love going to school!I was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma on the 25 May 2007.The main tumor that started close to my adrenal gland was removed&confirmed to be ganglioneuroma,all dead cells!Praise Our Healing Lord for all the miracles he has performed in my life! I am officially NED NO EVIDENCE OF DISEASE as of 16 Jan 2008! We ask you to please continue to pray for my total & permanent healing!I was diagnosed to be on the autisim spectrum in october 2008 , but I've made huge strides and excelling in all i put my heart into!